Evelyn Ross set down her phone.

She looked up at the group.

She should have been devastated by her own mother's betrayal.

But she felt only a cold emptiness inside.

She was used to it.

For Isabella Ashcroft, Linda Lowell would do anything.

Her gaze swept indifferently over Linda.

It settled on Isabella.

Evelyn was curious.

What had Isabella offered Linda?

What made her so fiercely loyal?

She remained silent.

Any defense would be useless before James Klein arrived.

Jason Lawrence spoke for her instead.

His tone was defiant. "What kind of evidence is this?"

"The video only shows Linda copying something."

"Who knows what it actually was?"

Julian Evans scoffed. "Isabella was handling the handover of Dr. Nan's proposal."

"Linda copied files from her computer."

"Then Evelyn submitted an identical proposal immediately after."

"Isn't that obvious?"

"Jason, your protection of her has limits!"

Jason jutted his chin out. "I'm just raising reasonable doubt!"

"This evidence doesn't prove Evelyn instructed anyone to steal!"

Linda, still on her knees, quickly agreed. "Yes, yes! I did it on my own!"

"It has nothing to do with Evelyn! I acted alone..."

She clutched Director Brown's arm, pleading. "Please, don't punish Evelyn!"

"My daughter just graduated university."

"She can't lose this job..."

Director Brown sighed. "What did you steal?"

Linda answered immediately. "The new energy hydrogen fuel solution."

Director Brown nodded. "Do you know what hydrogen fuel is?"

Linda paused, then shook her head.

Director Brown continued. "See?"

"Even I, a non-R&D person, don't fully understand it."

"If your daughter didn't tell you what to steal, how did you know to take that specific file?"

Linda was speechless.

She stammered, unable to form a response.

Finally, she bowed her head. "No matter what, I did it!"

"Arrest me. It's all my fault..."

Director Brown's eyes held pity.

Julian looked at Linda.

He should despise this mistress.

But seeing her sacrifice everything for her daughter moved him strangely.

Julian shouted angrily. "Evelyn, say something!"

"Are you really going to let your mother take the blame?"

"Don't you understand filial duty?!"

"Do you have no heart?!"

Director Brown said coldly, "Calm down, Vice President Evans."

"We will investigate this thoroughly."

"Vance Group won't wrong a mother."

"Nor will we keep an unfilial employee."

Evelyn had expected this.

Denial would only invite more suspicion.

She gave a low, quiet laugh.

She knew it wasn't over yet.

Isabella stepped forward hypocritically.

She sighed at Linda. "Aunt Linda, trying to take the blame is useless."

"Everyone here knows the truth."

"The best thing now is to admit the mistake."

"Seek forgiveness from Vance Group."

"Otherwise, Evelyn will be expelled..."

"Really?" Linda looked at Director Brown.

Director Brown nodded. "We can see you're protecting your daughter."

"It's obvious..."

Linda slumped down as if all strength had left her.

Suddenly, a thought seemed to strike her.

She crawled on her knees to Evelyn.

She grabbed Evelyn's legs. "Evelyn, there's no other way!"

"Admit it! Admit it now, and Vance Group might give you a chance."

"Even if you're fired, you still have your degree."

"You can find another job."

"If you don't admit it, you'll lose your student status."

"Your future will be ruined!"

She feigned anguish, squeezing out a few tears.

From an angle no one else could see, her eyes were fierce.

Evelyn looked down at her kneeling mother.

She found it utterly ridiculous.

Before, Linda had been direct and forceful with her.

Demanding she give way.

Now she had learned manipulative tactics?

Taught by Isabella, no doubt.

Linda continued her tearful plea. "I'll admit it for Evelyn!"

"I'm her mother!"

"I'll kowtow and apologize to everyone!"

"Please, give her a chance!"

"Please, don't let the university expel her..."

She kowtowed, her head hitting the floor with heavy thuds.

The sound was heartbreaking to the listeners.

What a devoted mother!

Director Brown rushed to help her up but couldn't budge her.

She yelled at Evelyn. "What are you just standing there for?"

"Your mother is so sincere and honest!"

"How did she raise a daughter like you?!"

In the stands, Vice President Clark of San Francisco University showed pity.

Dean Mitchell spoke directly. "Evelyn, won't you admit your mistake?"

"Are you trying to push your mother to her death?"

"How does our university have a student like you?"

"President, you see?"

"Professor Lowell insisted on protecting her."

"He's lost his mind!"

"That's why I suspended him!"

Vice President Clark frowned. "That's enough."

He had come today because Professor Lowell called.

The Dean wanted to expel a student and suspend a professor.

Expulsion was serious.

The Vice President thought it excessive and came at the professor's request.

But now, it seemed the Dean might be right?

He looked at Evelyn. "Student, just admit your mistake!"

"If this continues, not even Professor Lowell can protect you!"

Linda stopped kowtowing and looked at her. "Evelyn, did you hear?"

"Everyone wants you to admit it."

"They'll give you a chance..."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

A voice called out. "Mr. James Klein is here."